“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).
Years ago, a Christian in our Bible study group said, “Even if we are totally wrong, we have lived a good life.” I didn’t know the Bible very well, but that statement didn’t seem logical. First, was this a statement of extreme doubt? We do have doubts now and then but the Holy Spirit continues to assure our hearts that we belong to Christ. Being “totally wrong” and faith do not walk together.
Second, how does one measure a good life? Is it by bank account, property, popularity, health? Many non-Christians experience a good life. Jesus promised an abundant life, but is that what most people think it is? Is it the same as the world thinks it is? Then I learned these verses:
And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:17–19)
If faith in Jesus is misplaced, then those who confess that faith are pathetic. If it is not misplaced, then measuring it by a good life is contrary to being a Christian. As God eventually showed me, there is a price to pay for being a Kingdom citizen. Just as Jesus was rejected and murdered, His followers can experience the same response from those who hate the message that we bring. Following Him has a price, and while that isn’t a popular idea, it is true.
Up front and always, Jesus challenges me to count the cost of obeying Him. In the early church, the Emperor Nero smeared Christians with pitch and burned them as lights for his garden parties. Similar things happen today, not only unjust treatment by authorities, but from family and neighbors. Around the world, believers are shunned by former friends, pursued and killed by members of religion groups they abandoned, and disowned and even murdered by their relatives.
In the so-called free world, we may not face such severe persecution but it does happen. The NT says:
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake (Philippians 1:29).
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).
The same animosity toward Christ in His day still exists today. Some strongly resent the Gospel or are fearful of it to the point of trying to destroy all who openly profess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives. It should make no difference to them what anyone believes, but when it comes to faith in Jesus, it does.
This may show up when I refuse to join others in sinful activities, or evil practices. Christians have quit their jobs or been fired because they would not take part in shady dealings by their employers. Students have found themselves ostracized by former friends. In other parts of the world, estimates of hundreds of Christians die each day for their faith and for sharing it with others.
The Bible is clear that dying is not the end for those who believe. Instead, it ushers us into eternal life with Jesus. Everyone is terminal. Better to die for the sake of Christ than to live without Him for a fleeting time and be separated from God forever. The good life is more about living in freedom from fear and guilt and being content no matter what — because God is taking care of us!
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. (Philippians 1:27–28)
Jesus, I know that You will not always shield me from persecution, but You will honor my commitment to love and serve You. You will give me strength to endure any trial that comes my way. Your grace is sufficient for whatever might happen. I don’t want to put my comfort ahead of Your glory and try to avoid mistreatment by being silent or worse, being worldly and acting as if I do not believe in You. I fully realize that I cannot face persecution or even rejection apart from Your enabling and the unwavering faith You grant. Thank You for Your amazing grace, for protection, but also for courage.
TO THINK ABOUT: Read James 1:2–4 and 1 Peter 5:10. What purpose does suffering serve? How should I respond to suffering?
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